One of the key members to the Grayson football program's rise to prominence is leaving.

Defensive coordinator Robert Andrews has accepted the head coaching job at East Jackson, which was approved on Monday.

"I've always desired to be a head coach," Andrews said. "East Jackson presented a great family atmosphere. It's a young school and has a lot of potential to grow."

Andrews came to Grayson in 2005 after previously serving as an assistant at Wesleyan. In his eight years with the Rams, he built the defense into a state power. Grayson posted 26 shutouts, including a 24-0 victory over Walton in the 2011 Class AAAAA state finals.

"The people make the place," Andrews said. "Coach (Mickey) Conn and I had a great relationship. The kids are great. I will miss that."

Grayson posted a record of 80-23 while Andrews was the school, which included four region titles in five years and a state quarterfinals appearance in five of the last six seasons.

"Robert has been a big part of it," Grayson head coach Mickey Conn said. "I'm really excited for him to have the opportunity."

This season, Grayson's defense went four straight games without allowing a point. The Rams allowed just 10.1 points per game and surrendered just 441 yards rushing in 12 games.

The 2011 state championship team allowed just 8.7 points a game and gave up 570 yards rushing all season.

"I have great memories of different games and accomplishments as a team and a program," Andrews said.

East Jackson plays in Region 8-AAA and went 0-10 last season. The sixth-year program has had just one winning season and that was in 2009, when it went 10-2 and reached the second round of the state playoffs.

"I think there's a lot of potential there," Andrews said. "There's a great group of kids there."

Defensive line coach Lenny Gregory will be the Rams' new defensive coordinator.

Andrews is the second Grayson assistant in three years to take a head coaching job. Offensive line coach O.J. Soto took the head coaching job at Walnut Grove in 2011.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Grayson with the coaches and the administration, but I'm awfully excited about taking the next step in my career," Andrews said.